Train with the PRIMA BALLERINA of the Bolshoi Theatre!

This summer is your chance to learn from WORLD FAMOUS BALLERINAS like Evgenia Obraztsova and train in the historic ballet capital of the world–St. Petersburg, Russia!

During our program, stars of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres will hold master classes and share about their professional life in the top ballet theatres of the world. Do not miss the opportunity to learn the secrets of their beauty and craftsmanship first hand!

Summer Intensive and “SECRETS OF THE STAGE” Workshop for Professional Dancers:

August 15 – 27, 2022


AUDITION

Submit video audition by July 30, 2022!

  1. Print, complete, and scan or photograph the Audition Form by clicking: AUDITION FORM
  2. Register and submit payment for your video audition at the following link: PAYMENT FORM
  3. Create a 10-15 minute video including the following:
    • The applicant stating his/her name, age, and reason for pursuing ballet training;
    • Short combinations at the barre, on one side only, of the following: Plié, battement tendu, rond de jambe par terre, grand battements;
    • Center work: Adagio, petite and grand allegro, turns.
  4. Finally, please send your Audition Form and video link to ekaterinaowf@gmail.com. Those who submit a video audition can expect to hear the results of their audition within two weeks.

FACULTY

Evgenia Obraztsova

Prima Ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, Honored Artist of Russia, Graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy

PRIMA BALLERINA of the Bolshoi Theatre and Honored Artist of Russia, Evgenia Obraztsova graduated from the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2002 and joined the Mariinsky Ballet, where she quickly rose through the ranks as an emerging star. She frequently guests in principal roles with companies like the Royal Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. Among her numerous awards, she is the recipient of the gold medal at the Moscow International Ballet Competition (2005) and the Golden Mask Award (2007), Russia’s most prestigious theatre prize. In 2012, Obraztsova joined the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow where she is still dancing as Prima Ballerina.


Renata Shakirova

First Soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy

After graduating from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2015 (class of Tatiana Udalenkova), Renata Shakirova joined the Mariinsky Ballet. In 2016, Renata was announced Winner of Rossiya-Kultura TV’s project Grand Ballet together with Kimin Kim. With excellent musicality and an irresistable stage presence, Renata has graced a vast number of roles in ballets like Le Corsaire, Giselle, Shurale, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote, Legend of Love, and La Bayadere. Today, Renata continues to fill the Mariinsky Stage with stunning beauty and classicism as a First Soloist.


Ekaterina Osmolkina

First Soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, Honoured Artist of Russia, graduate of the Vaganova Ballet Academy

After graduating from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1999, Yekaterina Osmolkina went on to work with the Mariinsky Theatre. Along with being awarded the tile Honoured Artist of Russia, Yekaterina was the prize-winner at the Vaganova-prix competition (St Petersburg, 1998) and recipient of the Golden Sophit, St Petersburg’s highest theatre prize (2006). She has been described as possessing a mastery that has been “honed to the degree that it is not just powerful, but meaningful” by Kultura. After more than 20 years of performing with the Mariinsky Theatre, Osmolkina continues her career as a First Soloist with grace and poise.


Ekaterina Shchelkanova

Former soloist of Mariinsky Theatre and American Ballet Theatre, graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy, OWDF founder

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Ekaterina Shchelkanova (Chtchelkanova) received her dance training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy. Upon graduation, she joined the Kirov Ballet (now the Mariinsky Theatre) as a soloist, where she danced a variety of leading roles in major classical ballets. Ms. Shchelkanova joined American Ballet Theatre in 1995, and as a soloist with the Company, she excelled in a variety of soloist and principal roles.

Ms. Shchelkanova’s versatility, strong classical training and technical skill in classical and contemporary dance allowed her to work closely with legendary Twyla Tharp, Sallie Wilson, John Neumeier, Frederik Franklin, and Mark Morris. Her amazing training and pure classical line were noticed by such masters as Gelsey Kirkland, Natalia Makarova, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

In January 2006, Ekaterina accepted a position of Artistic Director at the Berlin International Dance Festival. As a guest, Ekaterina taught classes at the National Ballet of Canada and ABT’s JKO School. She joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as ballet mistress and since September 2007, held the same position at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal until she founded Open World Dance Foundation.


Anton Boytsov

Former dancer of Mariinsky Theatre, graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy, OWDF Founder

At the age of 10, Mr. Boytsov was accepted to Vaganova Academy of St. Petersburg, Russia. After graduating from Vaganova Academy, Mr. Boytsov was invited to join Kirov Ballet (now Mariinsky Theatre), where his great partnering skills allowed stage partnerships with such stars like Uliana Lopatkina, Svetlana Zakharova, Yulia Makhalina, Altinai Asilmuratova, Olga Chenchikova, and many others.

In 2011, Mr. Boytsov organized and helped to host JKO School of American Ballet Theatre first teacher’s training course in St. Petersburg, Russia. This international event opened doors to teachers and ballet students of America and Russia to fruitful collaborations through projects connecting the ballet communities of America, Russia, and other countries. In 2013-14, Mr. Boytsov worked with Ballet Theatre Houston and Robert Underwood’s Studio of Dance. Currently, Mr. Boytsov enjoys sharing his professional skills and love for dance through Open World Dance Foundation as a founder and Vice-President.


Curriculum

This intensive features a well-rounded program to help each dancer reach their highest potential both technically and artistically! Classes include:

  • Gymnastics (conditioning) classes
  • Ballet technique
  • Pointe
  • Variations / Coaching
  • Character dance

Accommodation and Tuition

Tuition WITHOUT Accommodation:

2 weeks: 50,000 rubles (775 euros)

1 week: 30,000 rubles (465 euros)

Tuition WITH hotel Accommodation:

Parent and child: 100,000 rubles (1555 euros)

For one person: 75,000 rubles (1165 euros)